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As most of you know I spent the last 16 weeks in very strict training in an attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I logged over 500 miles during that time in the heat and humidity of Arkansas, Texas, Florida and even Mexico on a mission trip, often getting up hours earlier than normal to get my runs in. Dozens of times I was up as early as 4:15am even though I am most certainly not a “morning person” as you all know.
Heading into Chicago last weekend I was ready. All of my training runs told me so. I did 10 sets of Yasso 800’s at 3:05. Running a half marathon under 1:30 was no problem. All of my speedwork runs, tempo runs and “fast finish” runs were right on schedule. Every predictor workout showed I could do a 3:05-3:10 marathon … well below the 3:20 that I needed to qualify. When I got to Chicago, I was ready to run the race of my life.
The day before the marathon my wife Paula caught a stomach virus. Vomiting, diarrhea, cramps – you know the drill. While I was concerned about her and did everything she needed me to do to keep her comfortable, I keep thinking “Oh please don’t let me get it!”
When I awoke the next morning my pre-race breakfast didn’t sit very well with me. By the time I entered the starting corral my stomach was churning. I knew right then I was in trouble but tried to remain positive. The race started and we were off. The motion of the run began to upset my stomach. While I was right on pace through the 15K mark, I was feeling the early effects of the virus. By mile 10, it hit me. I wanted to quit right then and there. I’ve never dropped out of a race in my life, but I knew I couldn’t go another 16 miles. It just wasn’t possible.
My pace started slowing and I knew the Boston Marathon would have to wait. Water started making me sicker. At mile 12 I could no longer take in any liquids or food. Running the final 14.2 miles of a marathon without fluid or food was unadvisable. Stupid. Dehydration can do terrible things to you.
But I wouldn’t quit. I had raised over $2,000 for the orphans in Mexico that I had visited earlier in the summer. I pledged to run hard for them and even if that meant suffering, I’d make that sacrifice. If God would help me keep going, I was going to reach that finish line. For them. For Him.
At around mile 16 I started feeling the twinges of cramps coming on. I hadn’t experienced a single cramp during my entire training program, but with no water, Gatorade or food, my electrolytes were depleted. Cramps were inevitable. So was the headache. Things were deteriorating fast at this point. One second I was running okay, the next second my leg buckled as a stabbing pain ripped through a muscle. The cramps weren’t a respecter of muscles either. They allowed all of them to get in on the action – hamstring, quad, calf … everyone was invited to the party.
As I watched runner after runner pass me by, I got more discouraged. My pace continued to slow and my goal got farther and farther away. In addition to the physical pain, I hurt emotionally. I felt like a failure. Sixteen weeks of preparation seemed like wasted time. My pride took a hit – I knew many of my friends, family and fellow runners were tracking my progress, watching to see if I could indeed qualify for Boston. I felt like a loser. It became mentally difficult to continue.
When I managed to get to mile 23 I collapsed into a grassy area at the side of the road with uncontrollable cramping. I was cramping – literally – from my left hip all the way to my left ankle. I rolled on the ground helpless to do anything about what was happening to me. A member of the medical team saw me and came rushing over to my aid. She was a Godsend. Within a minute she had me back on my feet. I started “shuffling” on down the road.
Each mile seemed to stretch on farther than the last. With two miles to go I honestly didn’t think I could make it. It wasn’t a matter of me not wanting to quit at this point, it was a matter of me not physically being able to continue. Somehow the grace of God was with me and I inched forward. When I reached the “one mile to go” sign it seemed like I was at the gates of heaven. Someone saw my shirt (It read “Finish Line Faith”) and yelled at me, “We’ve got faith for you brother!”
If the “one mile to go” sign was the gates of heaven, then certainly the Finish Line was heaven itself. When I entered the shoot with about 0.2 miles to go the tears started filling my eyes. Thousands of people were cheering for all of us who were about to finish. I ran across the finish, got my medal and collapsed into my wife’s arms – crying like a baby. “I failed sweetie. I failed.”
That’s how I saw it. I didn’t qualify for Boston. I didn’t reach my goal. I didn’t live up to the expectations of myself, my friends, my family and my fellow runners. I didn’t do it.
I got back to the hotel room extremely disappointed. More than disappointed, I was discouraged. Even depressed. I was a LOSER in all caps. Thank God for good people around me. My wife, my friends, my family, my fellow runners quickly put things into perspective. Whether it was through phone calls, texts, emails or Facebook posts, they reminded me that there was one more thing I didn’t do…
I didn’t quit.
Who else can say they ran a marathon with a stomach virus? How many fellow finishers ran the last 14 miles without their needed water or food? Despite the odds, I managed a very respectable 4:11 time, placing ahead of almost 35,000 of the 45,000 runners. Not that any of that matters – it just reinforces the idea that this race wasn’t the colossal failure that I thought it was. I wasn’t the loser that I thought I was.
As I reflected on this weekend’s experience there are three life lessons that I think we can all stand to be reminded of…
1. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE. I’m not sure there’s a substitute for supportive, encouraging people in your life. You’re gonna get sick. You’re gonna get discouraged. You’re gonna fall down. You’re gonna come up short. But when you’ve got friends and family in your life who love you, who are cheering for you, who are proud of you no matter what, that makes the difference. Life may slap us around with negative things, but loved ones who speak uplifting words to us before, during and after our greatest challenges are priceless treasures. I thank my God for my wife Paula, my son Jacob and COUNTLESS friends and family members who have “got my back” when I’m too beaten to stand up for myself.
2. FOCUS ON THE “DID” INSTEAD OF THE “DID NOT”. Your perspective shapes many things including your attitude, mood, mindset and even future action. There really is something to the whole “glass half empty or glass half full” analogy. We can choose to focus on what we did NOT do or what we do NOT have and be discouraged because things aren’t how we’d like them to be. Or we can choose to focus on what we DID do and what we DO have and realize just how blessed we really are.
3. NEVER GIVE UP. Things may not go the way you plan, but don’t use that as an excuse to quit. There are things that are completely out of our control, but that doesn’t mean we have to let those things defeat us. When the race of life knocks you down with cramps, get back up and keep moving forward. Against all odds you can reach the finish line. Run when you can. Walk when you can’t. Lean on someone for a while. Crawl if you must, but don’t quit. Don’t you ever quit.
There are a lot of people that I need to thank for their encouragement, support and love. You know who you are. And I say to you now, “Thank you – you make my life the best race ever!”
Mostly, I am thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I would have no life – no eternal life – without Him.
At the close of the Chicago Marathon I am reminded of one of my favorite Bible verses that I carry through the race of life. It’s the one that is emblazoned on my running shirt that the lady responded to with one mile to go:
“I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
He who does that can only be called a winner. Keep running that next mile!
To God be the glory, great things He has done.
27 Responses to “The Race Of Your Life”
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Jimmy,
Yes. This is a two hankie blog post! I had been praying for your health and the run, and am just so amazed and proud of you and God! I praise Him in advance for the powerful way He will use this transformational moment and experience in the lives of many!
You’re beyond a winner! You’re a life changer!
Blessings!
Lisa
Way to go, Jimmy. You fought a good fight and didn’t give up. Well, I won’t either. I’ll keep on fighting until I make my first dollar online.
God Bless
Hi Jimmy!
PTl that you finished. That is awesome. I wouldn’t even dream of doing a marathon!
Blessings,
Ed
Good grief Jimmy, how can you call yourself a loser? I sometimes suffer from cramps (for no reason) that could render me immobile for hours so my hat off to you for carrying on. I know how much this means to you but you know, you will FLY next time around.
Stay healthy.
Jimmy,
Thank you for sharing this experience. I know I won’t be the only one who responds by telling you that I really needed to hear that story. It made me realize that I’ve been concentrating on the “Did Not’s” in my life lately instead of the “Did’s” and that I’m putting my focus on the wrong thing. Hope you’re feeling better. Blessings!
In Christ’s Love,
Jessica Martinez
Founder – God’s Chosen Princess
http://www.facebook.com/godschosenprincess
Wow.Thanks for the inspiration.I am in a real situation
of my own making.I will remember this story whenever I
feel I cannot find a solution.
Best Wishes and congratulations
Nick
Hey Jimmie, That’s a really good story and I appreciate you sharing it.
It’s pretty amazing that you finished so well with all of your distress. And you know what? Trying counts. It wouldn’t have mattered to anyone but you if you were the last person in and had to crawl over the finish line. You tried.
You were really struggling to say nice things to yourself at that time but you weren’t losing–you were sick.
Sometimes we just don’t have enough ‘good people’ around to support us. When that happens we have to be our own ‘good people’ and support ourselves until they show up.
Thank you for sharing and for your good life lessons.
And congratulations!
Kathryn
Very encouraging Jimmy… I’m most greatful that you relayed how you felt when you felt like a loser yet you still continued on. Many people I work with, including myself, are living that perspective in increments here and there when fruition of our work is not visible and I’m happy to hear of anyone that goes beyond that fearful, lower energy state to possibliities that inspires us to go another step, which may even be a quantum leap!
Bravo,
Gabriele
Jimmy, what a great post. I was there as well! I finished at the far back, after 6 hours and 38 minutes, but that was my main goal. I guess since my expectations were not as high it was not a letdown to end up where I did. But you did not quit!! Good for you.
Congratulations!
- from one who has been your customer at infrequent intervals from the launch of your first Vault (around 2002, I think it was). I seldom comment on marketers’ blogs, but your story reminded me of the 1980 NYC Marathon, when I came over from Europe with a swollen throat and no voice. In a large bookshop I happened to meet the then well known runner (and medical doctor) George Sheehan, who gave me some advice and told me to go for it in the marathon. I did finish in a for me respectable time. As a can relate a bit to your much greater troubles, I’d like to wish you good luck with your next try for Boston.
As for the online marketing business, too often I have changed tracks and never really finished well in any particular type of online marketing race.
Your story is an inspiration for me to go on – I will find my best track and finish respectably!
Johan
Hi Jimmy, winning is basically an attitide and not an act. Then with right mindset, winning will follow many times over.
Cheers!
You have won before and will win again someday, so long as you are alive. “Because He lives, you will live also” to win many more races.
So see yourself as a fulfilled winner, for when I am able to win even $1000./month online my joy will know no bounds.
Bravo!
Thanks for sharing this, Jimmy. This has been an inspiration to me personally as a pastor. How many times have I heard the “Never Give Up” speech… and it’s a good admonition. But what’s also needed is to focus, as you say, on the “dids” rather than the “did nots”. It’s been a blessing watching you and your business over the years. God bless you, brother!
Great inspiration Jimmy. I’m pretty sure I would have quit in your situation. But you’ve encouraged me to keep on trucking even when things get tough and I’m not sure if I’m on the right track.
You had a goal that reminded you to keep on even when your circumstances seemed to be telling you that you were off track and should give up.
Another verse that comes to mind from your story 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” You did that in your race and from what I see, you do so in your business as well.
Jimmy,
That is very inspiring and it is funny how the Lord works! I preach to my clients all the time to never give up, to keep focusing on their goals and to think I sometimes feel sorry for myself when it comes to trying to build my online business. I am very thankful that I found you online and thanks again for giving me some motivation to keep on building my business!
Dearest Jimmy,
One thing you are NOT (not now, not in Chicago, not EVER) is a loser. You are the strongest, most inspiring man I have ever met and I’m proud to know you, even for the short time we got to speak in ’03 in Dallas.
You are one of the most amazing and genuine people in the world and you give marketing a fabulous name, a ‘fight to the end and never give up’ type of name, and doing it honestly, with integrity, and in the Lord’s name.
You go look in the mirror right now and say to that marvelous man looking back at you, “I’m proud of you! I love you! You’re a child of the most high God!” and see what a winner you see smiling back at you.
I’m so glad you have Paula & Jacob and tons of real friends in your life. They’re so important.
I’m sorry you had to go through all that pain and proud of you for finding something positive coming out of it.
Thank you for sharing all the things you share, I still remember the humble beginning you had with the ink-stained shirt and how you never gave up back then either.
Much care to a great guy!
Donna
Good for you, Jimmy, for not giving up. Life is short, and we must make every effort to give our best each day.
Connie
That’s cool Jimmy. When you finally got to your actual time in the story it was most impressive. Reading the story I was expecting 5 or 6 hours if at all. There is nothing better than overcoming adversity and having good friends. It’s up to each of us to set our minds right.
Thanks and I hope you feel better!
Mark
simply inspiring – way to go
Hey Jimmy. You should be so proud! Never give up. Indeed words to live by, whether it be in running a marathon, or running an online business.
Thank you for the inspiring story.
Look out Boston next year, right?
Cheers,
Dale
Jimmy – inspiring example of persistence and integrity, sticking to your goals, your word, and your personal convictions. You’re always a role model to emulate in business, perhaps because your values are not “part time” when they look good… they are who you are.
Seems the older I get, the less I really know – but, I believe that sometimes quitting is the right thing to do.
Persistence for the sake of persistence while doing something that is not working or beneficial is silly.
Sometimes, winners recognize quitting is the right move. Giving up, however – is never the right move. Winners make adjustments to their race so they never have to give up. You adjusted, you are a winner. Besides, winners never fail or lose, we only successfully discover what doesn’t work… in your case, running marathons when you are sick!
Anyway – keep on keepin’ on Jimmy – and keep your eyes open. It seems to me that whenever a tragedy like the timing of your being sick when something so important in your life is scheduled, it’s often for a reason. Makes me wonder what not qualifying this year is going to open the doors for you to accomplish with your extra freedom? Always a silver lining, sometimes, we just need to remove the sunglasses to see it.
Thanks for sharing… and holding true to who you are. It’s a stoic reminder for us mere mortals we can also do the same.
Jimmy – well, I read your letter for the third time. I’m asking myself why did I do that right before I leave for an appointment???? (soggy eyes again) Thanks again for sharing your Victory in spite of hardship. You are the best of the best at what you do my friend. Duane & I marvel at how much God has done and will continue to do in and through your life.
I was reminded that we are each in a race everyday. Don’t give-up just because we are tired or discouraged, it’s not over yet. The best is yet to come.
Dear Jimmy,
There is NO WAY that you are a loser.One of my favorite Bible verses is
Matthew 14:27-29.It speaks about getting out of the boat.Jimmy,you got
out of the boat.You didnot wallow in your circumstances.
Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.Hebrews 13:5;Deuteronomy 31:6:
Deuteronomy 4:31;Joshua 1:5-9
God ALWAYS provides a way out.God always provides an escape from EVERY temptation.
Every includes the temptation of wanting to give up.God sent someone to help
you in your time of need.1 Corinthians 10:13
Jimmy,you called out to God via the message on your shirt “Finish Line Faith”
and God heard your cry.God was going make sure that you got to the finish line.
Psalm 120:1; Psalm 34:4; Psalm 116:1 ;Jonah 2:2
All during the race there were angels that were surrounding you.
Psalm 34:7 ;Psalm 91:1-16
When you sent me an email about you running in the 2011 Bank of America
Chicago Marathon,I immediately put you on my pray list.One of prays I spoke
over you was “NO WEAPON formed againsted you shall prosper”. Isaiah 54:17
I knew that you were going to get to the finish line.
Jimmy as you know I also ran in the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
That was my first marathon.At the 20 mile mark I was really starting to
feel it.By God’s grace I completed the race and received a medal.
I thank God for giving me the strength to run and complete that race.
Jimmy,you are an excellent witness for the Kingdom of God.You had a test
and you now you have a powerful testimony to witness to people about the
goodness of God.God had your back and God will ALWAYS have your back.
God will continue to Bless you and keep you,
Kimberly Elaine Brooks
http://KimberlyElaineBrooks.com
Awwwh Jimmy! You did GREAT! You finished and that counts for so much. Thank you for encouraging me not to give up. I needed to read this today! Even through transition…I won’t give up! Thanks again! Be blessed!
Lesson #2 is a real keeper: focus on the did instead of the dd not. How many times do we condemn ourselves for what we did not do, or did wrong. The Lord always focuses on what we did right! and that encourages to do more right. Right?
Congratualtions, Jimmy. Way to go.
Wow! Congratulations Jimmy!
You did it for the kids!
God will honor that
Wow — big, big achievement and the true definition of what it means to be ‘tough’. I don’t actually know that many people who’ve done a sub four hour marathon on a good day so to be just over it with a bad virus is nothing short of amazing — real guts and determination. Congratulations and good luck for future races!
Awesome job! Congrats!
Now, go to your local health food or higher-end grocery store and buy a bottle of oil of oregano capsules. At the very first sign of a viral, fungal or bacterial infection, start popping those suckers down. Take 2 or 3 capsules three times a day. It’ll stop whatever it is from getting much worse, and will banish it from your body within a few days.